Many pregnant women are wondering whether it is safe to eat bitter melon during pregnancy, as it is a food rich in nutrients and good for health. However, there are various opinions suggesting that bitter melon contains substances that can cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage. So, should pregnant women eat bitter melon? Follow the article below to find the answer.
1. Health benefits for pregnant women when eating bitter melon
1.1. High folate content
Bitter melon is a food that contains a very high amount of folate, a mineral that is great for pregnant women's health and helps protect the fetus from potential neural tube defects.
Since bitter melon contains a significant amount of folate, which can account for up to a quarter of the daily folate requirement for pregnant women, it is an ideal vegetable to include in daily meals.
1.2. High fiber content
This vegetable is rich in fiber, which provides a prolonged feeling of fullness. As a result, pregnant women who eat bitter melon can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods or snacks, helping them maintain a slim waistline even during pregnancy.
1.3. Reduces digestive disorders
The two main issues most pregnant women face are constipation and hemorrhoids. Eating bitter melon during pregnancy provides a rich supply of fiber, which helps reduce common digestive problems during pregnancy.
1.4. Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Many studies indicate that bitter melon and diabetes are "natural enemies." Regularly consuming bitter melon can help prevent diabetes and effectively stabilize blood sugar levels.
In particular, nutrients like charantin and polypeptide-P found in bitter melon also help prevent gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
1.5. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Bitter melon contains a high amount of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps pregnant women fight harmful bacteria. This food also has antibacterial properties, preventing infections like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, which can cause skin issues. In particular, the antioxidants in bitter melon support pregnant women's immune systems.
1.6. Regulates intestinal motility
Bitter melon also helps promote intestinal motility, which in turn helps regulate the digestive system and intestinal movements in pregnant women.
1.7. A great source of nutrition essential for the fetus
Bitter melon is a food that provides a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, as it contains iron, niacin, potassium, pantothenic acid, zinc, pyridoxine, magnesium, and manganese. In fact, many people refer to bitter melon as a "superfood" because it plays a significant role in the development of the fetus.
In addition, this vegetable also contains other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to health, such as riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin B1, B2, B3... and it is a rich source of calcium and beta carotene.
2. Can pregnant women eat bitter melon?
Although bitter melon contains many nutrients that are good for the health of pregnant women, it is important to be cautious when consuming it, as it can also pose certain risks:
- Toxicity: Bitter melon contains alkaline components such as latex, quinine, saponin glycosides, and morodicine. These are some toxic substances that can spread within the human body. These toxins can cause stomach pain, nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, facial redness, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and muscle weakness in pregnant women.
- Consuming too much bitter melon can affect the stomach and lead to related issues such as diarrhea and cramps.
- Allergic reactions in some individuals: The seeds of bitter melon contain vicine, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The red arils found in the seeds when ripe are toxic to children. Therefore, extra caution is needed when eating bitter melon.
- Premature labor: Bitter melon can cause uterine contractions, which may lead to premature labor or miscarriage in pregnant women.
Pregnancy is a special but very sensitive time. Therefore, pregnant women should consult with an obstetrician before making decisions about their diet. Even though bitter melon contains many nutrients that are good for health, due to the risks of allergies, digestive disorders, and especially the potential to cause miscarriage or preterm labor, pregnant women should avoid eating bitter melon during pregnancy to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
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References: parenting.firstcry.com, thehealthsite.com, stylecraze.com, .babychakra.com
